Welcome to the Prairie Aikikai!

The Prairie Aikikai is an organization dedicated to the study and practice of the martial art of Aikido. We are located in Sycamore, Illinois. Jeffrey B. Hecht, Sandan, is the Head Instructor and Leslie B. Hecht, Nidan, is the Assistant Instructor.We are affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (Mitusgi Saotome, Shihan), and always welcome anyone who is interested in Aikido, regardless of style and affiliation.

The Prairie Aikikai has regular practices scheduled several times each week, in addition to special seminars with guest instructors, visits to other dojos, and social gatherings! Our practices are always open to guests and visitors. The best way to learn about Aikido is to come by, watch a practice, and talk with the instructor and students. Try coming out on the mat during a practice or two to see if Aikido is for you. No one at the Prairie Aikikai will try to sell you anything, or pressure you into joining, practicing, or committing. After many years in the martial arts we have learned that people who practice Aikido, or any other martial art, for more than just a few weeks do so because they are enjoying themselves.

We certainly enjoy what we do at the Prairie Aikikai, and invite you to visit us and see if it is right for you! Please visit or e-mail (info@prairieaikikai.com) us for more information.